How much reclaimed yeast without a starter?

[bunkerbrewer]

Hi all,

If I wash and reclaim the yeast from a brew, I guess I could split that across 2 brews and pitch directly without needing a starter?

How far can you take this without needing a starter? 4 brews? 10?

I've had a play with the Mr Malty calculator, but that seems to suggest I only need about 50ml of slurry - is that assuming a starter is used, or am I doing it wrong? :hmm:

Thanks!

 

[evanvine]

How many times you can brew and reuse with the same yeast I don't know, I have heard there is a limit, something to do with the yeast not remaining true.
When I rinse the yeast from a brew I have 250 - 500ml, I just put the lot into the next brew.

 

[wilsoa1111]

well if u look at what the whitelabs guys give u 50ml of pure yeast is probably plenty

 

[bunkerbrewer]

Thanks, that makes sense. I guess we're not talking about pure yeast, though, even if I do a really good job of washing it...

Anyone know a rough ratio of yeast to "other stuff" from reclaimed trub, assuming I've properly decanted it?

When I rinse the yeast from a brew I have 250 - 500ml, I just put the lot into the next brew.

Hm, much simpler! As you say you I have to limit the number of generations before I crack open the wallet and buy some more yeast, but no messing about with splitting and calculating. Thanks.